Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index Nonoxynol-9 is a chemical that is widely used in contraceptives for its spermicidal properties. Table of contents 1 Spermicide 2 Condoms 3 Diaphragms 4 Nonoxynol-9 and HIV 5 Side effects 6 Alternatives 7 External links Spermicide As a spermicide, it attacks the acrosomal membranes of a sperm. The breakdown of this membranes immobilizes the sperm. As a spermicide, it is sold in cream, jelly, foam, gel, film, and suppository forms in differing strengths. Condoms Some condoms are lubricated with solutions containing nonoxynol-9. Diaphragms Almost all brands of diaphragm jelly contain nonoxynol-9 as the active ingredient. Nonoxynol-9 and HIV In laboratory tests, nonoxynol is thought to triple the risk of HIV infection in women. It is also suspected of breaking down the cellular structure of the vaginal walls and viruses allowing HIV can enter the body easier. Side effects Nonoxynol-9 may increase a person's risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases STD, including HIV, if used frequently. Frequent use of nonoxynol-9 is also linked to higher risk of urinary infections. Some people even report allergic reactions. It possible to test it oneself on the lymph-nodes on the upper thigh by the groin to see if one is hyper sensitive (if so skin is usually red and burning). Alternatives Chemically speaking, there are two alternatives to nonoxynol-9 spermicide: oxtoxynol-9: In the United States, only oxtoxynol-9 is available. It is in cream or jelly only and is hard to find. benzalkonium chloride: Benzalkonium chloride spermicide is only available in Canada and Europe (Hungary) and limited to suppository form. For use with a diaphragm a jelly containing lactic-acid may work as a substitute. Lactic-acid is know to immobilize sperm, too. But in opposite to nonoxynol this immobilization seems to be reversible and is for that reason less reliable. External links Vaginal Spermicide: Nonoxynol (Family Practice Notebook.com) Femprotect (alternative to nonoxynol-9) This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.